7 Reasons to Get Out

August

By Lori Anne Tomonari

Published: 2007.08.01 12:00 AM

* HURRY UP! August marks the close of several outdoor concert series. Sit seaside with Auntie Genoa and Natali Ai Kamauu at the Waikiki Aquarium (Aug. 7). Run around with the family and watch Palani Vaughan, Jake Shimabukuro and Brother Noland at the Honolulu Zoo (Aug. 15), or stretch out on the Bishop Museum’s great lawn and watch The Makaha Sons perform (Aug. 16).

photos by the Honolulu Zoo Society

photo by istock

Aug. 4-5

BRING MINTSMore than 12,000 onion lovers descend on Maui’s Whalers Village to pay tribute to the island’s sweet onion. Festivities include a raw onion eating contest, a battle of the recipes and about 900 pounds of freshly fried onion rings.

Aug. 6-10

THROW OUT THE POLESThink you’re a big-time fisherman? Kona’s 48th Annual Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament gives entrants five days to catch a prize-winning Pacific blue marlin. Previous years have drawn teams from around the world, including Australia, Japan and South Africa.

photo courtesy of The Academy of Arts

Aug. 11-12

TOAST TO SPAINThis year, the Academy of Arts’ fundraiser, Showcase 2007, takes on a Spanish theme. The two-day event, Salud! features a public art sale on Aug. 11. Contact the Academy to purchase tickets to the Aug. 12 gala, featuring wine, sangria and tapas from Hawaii’s top restaurants. www.showcase2007.net.

Aug. 12 AND 27

STAY UP LATETwo natural phenomenons give reason to stray from the city lights. While the Perseids (a meteor shower) lasts from late July through August, you’ll see the most shooting stars in the early morning hours on Aug. 12. For a second late night, take a trip to Waianae for one of Wild Side Specialty Tours’ nighttime excursions to see the first total lunar eclipse in three years (Aug. 27). For more info, visit www.sailhawaii.com.

AUG. 17-19

SUPPORT THE LOCALSBooths filled with Kula-grown lavender products, handmade jewelry and cooking demonstrations attract more than 35,000 shoppers each year to the Made in Hawaii Festival. The event, held at the Neal Blaisdell Center, also features performances by Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning artists.

photo by istock

AUG. 25-26

GREEK FESTIVALIf for nothing else, stop by McCoy Pavilion for the fresh baklava during the 26th Annual Greek Festival. Other attractions include live music and dance performances, food booths and a selection of imported Greek beers and wine. For more info, visit www.ssconhelhi.go-arch.org.

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